A Trip Down Memory Lane-Part II

I was looking for some Christmas graphics on my 'puter when I stumbled across an old folder. I completely forgot that I used to make candles and I mean all kinds of candles! The picture quality is horrible (I was just starting out, so cut me a break:D), but the candles are so cute. I still do a few of these around the holidays for friends and co-workers, but for the most part, I've hung up my chandler gloves. Here a few pics:

Apple pies and tarts

A La Mode Pies

Fruit Bowls

Candy Jars

Cinnamon Roll Votives

"Piegasms"

Misc. Jar Candles

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Tarts

Cola and Strawberry Lemonade Gel Candles

Bananaberry and Strawberry Shortcakes

Cheesecakes

I Made Another Treasury: Whooptee-Freakin-Do!

This orange bowl that I sell in my oft neglected shop, The Decadent Flame, has been featured in five, count em 5 Treasuries on Etsy, but it has yet to sell! Am I overpricing it? Am I underpricing it? What the deal, yo? I'm not angry or hurt, just a little confused. My views haven't even increased as a result of being in a Treasury. I've been thinking about extinguishing the Flame because I just don't give it the love that it needs, but I'm glad someone finds joy in what I do!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=37324

Pardon Me, But I Prefer Foodie To Glutton or Pig

Who am I kidding? I am a weekend glutton and a part-time pig-sometimes. I love the smell of food-particularly baked goods, and that translates into the scents I offer for my soaps and candles. For the life of me, I've tried to fall in love with florals, and orientals, and smoky scents, but I keep gravitating toward chocolate, cream, and vanilla-based scents. I find them comforting and appetite-suppressing. Weird, huh? When I burn my banana bread pillars, I don't feel the need to have a snack because I'm constantly inhaling the scent. It doesn't always work. When I want chocolate, I have to have chocolate!

So I'm off to make food-shaped candles while I burn my banana bread candle. They're always a big hit around the holidays, and of course, my family always waits til the last minute to order a bunch for their co-workers, friends, kids' teachers...

Move Over Etsy...

There's some new sheriffs in town-at least deputies anyway. Let's be frank shall we: Etsy is pissing a lot of people off for a number of reasons. Let's break down a few of 'em:

1. Flooded marketplace
2. Sneaky re-sellers
3. Obvious favoritism: Same shops being featured on front page, gift guides, etc.
4. Admin having shops and not disclosing that they're admin
5. Admin just not doing their job of policing the site for breaking the rules

I could go on and on, but Etsy gets enough publicity from their top sellers. I'm here to talk about some up and coming craft venues. I've joined two of them recently in an attempt to hopefully stand out a little more. The first is 1000 Markets. I actually found this site thru a member of EAOC (Etsy Artists of Color.) It's a growing online marketplace for crafters and the look and feel is very different from Etsy. It's much more streamlined and "cleaner" in its overall appearance. I haven't garnered any sales yet, one because I've been busy and haven't been actively promoting it-yet. The second site is called Art Fire. I found this one thru Etsy Bitch. If you haven't visited Etsy Bitch, then you should check it out. This is a site totally dedicated to sticking it to Etsy by calling them out for every thing done or gone wrong. The talk is frank, candid, and admittedly, dead-on. Anyway, Art Fire is really cool because there are two sign up options: The verified and basic packages. There are NO listing/commission fees except for the verified package which is a flat $7.00 a month fee.

It's good to have options. This isn't an Etsy bash post. I like Etsy. I've made many friends thru Etsy, but Etsy isn't the only choice. Check out 1000 Markets and Art Fire to name a few. Maybe you'll find a new home for your handmade goods.

Like A Moth To A Flame...

burned by the fire. I love my candles, can't you see my desire? Okay, I stole that from Janet Jackson, but I've been on a candle kick lately. I made this strawberry shortcake one that I just listed on Etsy. I've been neglecting my flames, and I need to get back on track. I've been so consumed with soap lately, that I actually forgot how to make this friggin candle. Can you believe it? It's not rocket science, but I have my ways of doing things. The strawberries are made wax made just for embedding. I don't use soy wax for my embeds because its too soft, and I can't get it out of my molds. I just don't recommend soy wax for embedding. If you know of how to use soy wax to make embeds, let me know.

I'm off to make more candles. We're having a gift exchange next week, and I'm making a gift basket of my different offerings.

Chunking Obsession Continued

Strawberry Cheesecake and Harvest Spice & Apple

This is a lame post, but more chunks... That's all.

All Chunked Up!

I'll admit, I'm a little slow sometimes. I've been wracking my brain trying to think of a creative way to use all these wax embeds I've made, and voila: Chunk Candles. I'm officially obsessed! Think I won't be posting these in my Etsy shop? You better ask somebody!!!!! These two candles are Snicker doodles and Banana Berry Shortcake. I have lots of others in the works. I just love how the embeds just burst through the candle. They smell so freakin good, and they will ship much better than the gel candles I make. I've had so many shipping disasters that I've spent more money replacing damaged candles than I have selling them.

For the next few days, I'll be chunking-yes, I've coined a new term (I could be slow again-maybe it's already been coined.) So, I'm off to the lab, er, kitchen, to make more embeds so that I can get my chunk on! Stay tuned!

My Evening With Etsy-Follow Up

Here's the article highlighting my evening with the folks at Etsy. Wow, I really look fat in that dress. I went to the hotel straight from work which is why I look a little over-dressed. My hair is a mess too, but, whatever. I met some really nice people, and I had a great time. Check out the piece here:

http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/events/article/mega-beth-tour-washington-dc-edition/2405/

My Evening With Etsy

I apologize in advance for this term paper of a post, but I had a very nice evening that I’d like to share with you. If you’ve been a regular reader of this blog, then you know that I love Etsy. I have two Etsy shops, The Soap Seduction and The Decadent Flame. I am a member of We Love Etsy. I am a member of Etsy sellers who blog. If you have no clue what Etsy is, click here to learn and discover.

Last evening, I had the pleasure of meeting some fellow, local Etsians along with two of Etsy’s admin folks, (Beth and forgive me but your name escapes me, but you were very sweet) at the Washington Hilton in midtown D.C. I was only too excited when I received a convo last week inviting me to join them for a little fun and camaraderie. Our group was very diverse in terms of our craft. We had almost every major category covered: bath and beauty, candles, paper, jewelry, art/sculpture, knitting/crochet, glass, and beading.

Our discussion mainly focused on our experiences (good and/or bad) with Etsy, what we like or dislike about Etsy, and how the site could be improved. I immediately jumped in and said what I love about Etsy is that you have a built-in audience. There’s no need to drive people to your site because they’re already there-24/7. The downside to that is of course you’re competing with a thousand other artists who make the same or similar product as you, but that’s the glory of handmade-no two items are exactly the same! One of the artists said he could not stand the forums and he avoids them like the plague. Another artist commented about how user-friendly the site was. Another said she loved The Storque. You get the picture. There were also some interesting suggestions about how Etsy could be improved. Of course I had to jump in (again) and say that I’d like the option to change my shop’s name without having to close it altogether. By having to close your shop, you lose valuable marketing tools like your customer rating, your sales figures, and your client feedback. Another really good suggestion was having pre-made templates to list and store your product descriptions. I really love this one. It would be a time saver and you don’t have to worry about forgetting to include valuable information about your item. Another good suggestion was being auto-notified when you are featured in a Treasury or when you make the front page of Etsy. Two more really good suggestions were auto re-listing an item once it sells, and being able to program items for future listings. Trust me; the admins were vigorously writing down all of our thoughts and concerns.

Here’s my personal take on Etsy: It’s a great forum to showcase your handmade treasures and to meet and network with other artists, but as a soap and candle maker, I cannot depend on it to make me successful or financially independent. It’s difficult to make a presence or stand out because there are literally hundreds upon hundreds of soapers and chandlers on Etsy who make the same or similar item, use the same scents that you do, and oft times, the same ingredients you do. Unless you master the Etsy shuffle, you won’t make many sales. What’s the Etsy shuffle? It’s a term I just coined to describe the process and the time it takes to master the Etsy phenomenon and to be a successful Etsy seller. I came away with a lot of valuable information last night, and the one thing I learned is selling on Etsy is a science (this was not said, but implied to a degree.) This means studying who and where your buyers are from. Participating and posting on forums frequently, listing at certain hours or days of the week, attracting international clients, and pricing your products and shipping to sell. Sounds like anything a hardworking business person would do right? Sure. But when you’re competing with hundreds of others in the same field as you, it makes the process a little more challenging.

So I leave you with this: I still love Etsy. It’s a great community of crafters, and the buyers are truly lovers of everything handmade. They are excited to buy from you and they truly appreciate the time and effort that you put into your craft, but I personally cannot depend on Etsy to sell a lot of product. I just don’t have the time to put into reading all the forums and commenting on topics, etc. For those who “Etsy” full time, I salute you! Maybe I’ll get there one day. Please check out these local Washington, DC Etsy artists:

Shoo Fly
A Stitch To Wear

Appearances Are Everything

It's kinda sad that we live in a society where just about everything is judged on appearance as opposed to content or character. This includes persons, places, and things. I'm speaking specifically about being an entrepreneur and trying to attract new business. The way your shop or site looks is just as important as the goods you sell. Packaging is everything! I've bought some beautiful things that were packaged very simply, but I've also bought some crappy things that were beautifully packaged but I was okay with it because it was wrapped in a pretty package.

How do you stand out when you're competing with hundreds of other online shops who make and sell the same things you do? Part of the solution is the packaging-from the colors you choose to the photographs of your products to the descriptions of the products themselves. Since re-launching The Flame, I've been in desperate need of a facelift. You can't make sales until you reel the customer in. I've decided to go bold with the colors and incorporate pics of my candles into my banner and avatar. It worked wonders for my other shop, The Soap Seduction, and I'm hoping for the same with The Decadent Flame. I want to give a special thanks to Jennifer at Studio 71 Design. Her prices are very reasonable and she does fantastic work. She turned blah into "Hey, how you doin?" Thanks, Jennifer!

Another Treasury!!!

I'm on a little roll here! I hate to toot my own horn but,

"TOOT, TOOT!"

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=58410

It's Christmas In July!!!

I am having a huge sale over at The Decadent Flame. Every candle is 50% off! That's right half off now until midnight tomorrow.

Interested in a swap? Let's chat! I love to try new things. Happy shopping!

Breaking News Alert-My First Treasury!!!!

I can't believe it! My first Treasury on Etsy. How utterly exciting! It's so rewarding to know that someone appreciates your work! What is a Treasury? It's a forum on Etsy where buyers and sellers pick their favorite items. Usually there's some theme involved like colors, textures, like items. This particular Treasury is all about chocolate. I'm too psyched!

It's Baaaaaaack!!!!

It kept calling me like. I was like an addict searching for her next hit. I couldn't concentrate on anything else. I literally dreamed about it. "What is it?" you're asking. Okay, I won't keep you in suspense any longer: It's The Decadent Flame!!!!!

I told myself I would concentrate on my soap making and possibly pick the candles back up in the fall, but I missed my wicked babes. I re-launched my Etsy shop today. For those of you who don't know, you better ask somebody! Just kidding. The Decadent Flame is my shop dedicated to my love of all things sweet. I make dessert-inspired candles scented and shaped like pies, cakes, sundaes, etc. The photos really don't do these candles justice. Whenever I do a show, people are just in awe that it's actually a candle. They sell like hotcakes. I'm hoping to get selected for an outdoor craft festival here in DC called Crafty Bastards. I bet when I lay these candles out next to my soaps, the soaps will get no love. I won't be surprised though. It never fails. Anyway, I'm happy that The Decadent Flame is back, and I'll be doing more candle projects really soon.

Guilty Pleasures

I'm still suffering from a creative block. So blocked in fact, that I decided to indulge in a few guilty pleasures, so here they are in no particular order:

1. VH1 Classic-I just love Pop Up Video. It's interesting to find out the story behind the video.
2. Harlequin and Silhouette Romance Novels. This sh*t never happens in real life.
3. Infomercials. I love seeing who's the latest cash-strapped celebrity who'll plug just about anything for a buck or some free publo.
4. Obituaries. Some are fascinating. Some make you feel like such a loser. Others make you say "What a loser."
5. Surfing some of my fave gossip sites like Bossip, Concrete Loop, and Media Takeout. The readers' posts are so funny, that I need to wear a Poise Pad.

I could go on forever, but I need to head over to these gossip sites to get my laugh on. What's your favorite guilty pleasure???

Shameless plug alert! Shameless plug alert! Shameless plug alert!

I did post some new stuff over at The Decadent Flame.

Cupcake Duos

Flaming Special Monday!!!!

If today is Monday, then it must be time for the Flaming Special over at The Decadent Flame. This week's special is all about the shortcake. Buy any candle at The Decadent Flame and get a shortcake candle for free. You pick the scent: strawberry, blueberry, or bananaberry.


Spring is fast around the corner, and I'm whipping up some new goodies. Check my Etsy store every Saturday for new additions. Just added this week: shortcake and orange bowl candles-the perfect, quirky, unexpected gift for any Easter basket or place setting.

Etsy Splurges Saturday

It's Saturday, and I have not splurged yet. I am combing the hundreds of Etsy stores for something inspiring that I want to buy but right now I'm feeling "Do I really want that?" Do you ever feel like that? You see something really cute, and you say "Oh, that is really darling, but do I really want or need that for that matter?" Anyway, let's get to the good stuff. I have not yet received my earrings and necklace from loosewirestudio. I think it may be time for a convo. It's been a week today. Sorry, sister, I'm not trying to put you on blast, I'm just anxious, that's all. I'm sure it will arrive shortly.

I have, however, received my Lemon Bars from Noel Delights. Let me tell you: Christie does not dissapoint!!!! I swear I'm going to gain 20 pounds by summer if I keep buying her stuff, but I'm hooked! When my package arrived, it was carefully packaged, on ice, nonetheless. Of course I tore into everything, to get to the goods. Imagine my pure delight when I opened the container and found 6 ample sized squares of lemon-y goodness. Each one is drizzled in white chocolate and calling me: "Patrice, eat me." Yes, as the picture will show, there are only 5 bars left. These bars pack a powerful tart/sweet punch. They are so decadent that a few bites will really satisfy you, but if you're a pig like me, then you'll eat the whole bar. No, Christie is not on my payroll (although I wish I could afford to). I just love baked goods, and she is the bomb!!!

Flaming Special Monday!!!

Today's Monday, so you know what that means-Flaming Special!!! It's smokin! It's hot! Are you ready? If not, then get ready! Spring is right around the corner, and if you'r watching your waistline or starting yet another exercise regimen like me, then you can certainly indulge in these decadent delights: This week's special is all about ice cream. These lifelike desserts will blow your mind. Buy any Decadent Sundae, Rootbeer Float, or Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae, and get an A La Mode Pie free. That's a $5.50 value in your pocket, and 0 calories on your thighs! Available at The Decadent Flame on Etsy of course!

Etsy Love

Today marks the start of a new series at Bubs and Flames. I call it Etsy Splurges. If you're a lover of anything handmade or handcrafted, and you haven't heard of Etsy, HELLO!!!! Have you been in a coma for the last few years? Yes, I have my own Etsy shop called The Decadent Flame, but if you've been reading my blog, you'd know that cuz I shamelessly plug it every chance I get. Today's post isn't just about me, but about my love of handmade, original, one-of-a-kind creations. There are so many talented people in the world, and I'm sure only a fraction of them are on Etsy. I'm trying to get my friend Shawn who does these really ornate, swirly-type drawings to list his stuff on Etsy, but he's dragging his ass. As a starving artist, I love this forum because it only costs $.20 to list each item you sell. That's 1/5 of a dollar, and it's great exposure for your wares.

I am not only a seller on Etsy, I'm also a client. I love combing the different categories for unique and original finds. I buy something off Etsy at least once a week. What I like as a buyer is the shipping is really cheap. For example, I bought a pair of silver hammered earrings and a pendant from this fabulous shop, loosewirestudio, and I only paid like $2 for the shipping. You can't beat that! I also bought some Lemon Bars from Noel Delights. Let me tell you-this woman can bake her ass off! I'm such a pig. Anyone who knows me, knows this. I was a little skeptical about ordering food from a person I know nothing about, but last week, I ordered these ginormous Chunky Clusters (which she must be sold out of because I don't see it on her page). They were filled with raisins, chocolate, and peanuts. Oh-my-goodness! Each bite was like a multi-orgasmic experience. Hey, I'm a chocolate connoisseur, and I am not exaggerating. Pick some up today.

Some of my other finds were a 3-pack of flower petal hair pins from Katinkapinka. She's fabulous, and I look fabulous wearing them. I also picked up a jar of soap balls from CherryBlossomCo. They're made with pure cocoa butter, but they're not scented. I was a little put off by that when I got them, but my disappointed turned to pure surprise when I lathered up. These little balls pack a powerful, sudsy punch, and they're moisturizing. Check me out in my Katinkapinka and my Boondie posing with the soap balls. Tune in next Sunday when I show off my new purchases and reveal my latest purchase.

Flaming Special Monday!!!!

Good Morning Bubbleheads and Flamers,

It's Monday, so you know what that means-it's time for our Flaming Special!!!! This week's special is all about drinks and snacks. Buy one of our beverage candles and get all four of my new drizzle soaps for free. Personally, I can't have a snack without something to drink, and that was the inspiration behind this week's special. So let me break it down: The drink is my Beverage candle scented in either Cola, Cherry Lemonade, or Rootbeer Float. I made some gel wax ice cubes and filled up a fountain soda glass then drizzled more gel wax over it. I finished it with a glass straw to give it an authentic look. Of course my drizzle bars are the bomb!!! I've got peppermint with chocolate drizzle, coconut with chocolate drizzle, strawberry shortcake drizzle, and last but not least, lemon iced biscotti. These soaps are off tha hook! I've got the soaps wrapped and packaged in plastic, and I can still smell them! It makes me hungry just thinking about them! Head on over to my Etsy shop to scoop up this awesome deal!